Scott Thornton’s FA Cup Props: Four Best Bets

Scott Thornton delves into the FA Cup action to bring you his four best bets from the prop markets.

Fulham kick things off on Saturday when they host Crystal Palace. Later that day, we take a look at Brighton vs Nottingham Forest. On Sunday, Preston are looking to cause an upset by beating Aston Villa before Manchester City head to Bournemouth. With places in the semi-finals up for grabs, it promises to be an intriguing set of fixtures.

• Fulham vs Crystal Palace: Over 33.5 Throws In The Match
• Brighton vs Nottingham Forest: Over 35.5 Tackles In The Match
• Preston vs Aston Villa: Over 32.5 Throws In The Match
• Bournemouth vs Manchester City: Over 27.5 Shots For Manchester City

Acca odds: 10.20

Fulham vs Crystal Palace: Throw Counts Soar When the Eagles are Involved

England, FA Cup, Saturday, 29th March, 12:15 (UK)

Fulham beat Tottenham 2-0 before the international break. They are currently 8th in the Premier League, which could be enough to secure a place in Europe but silverware would trump that success. The Cottagers have never won a major trophy but they can reach the semi-finals with a win here.

Crystal Palace started the season poorly but they managed to turn things around. Oliver Glasner’s side have lost just two of their last 14 matches across all competitions, moving them up to 12th in the league and into the latter stages of the FA Cup. The Eagles reached the final of this competition back in 2016 and can book another Wembley appearance by beating Fulham. 

Marco Silva’s side’s league matches this season have seen an average of 33.83 throws, just above the line set by the bookmaker here. However, the throw count tends to increase in the cup. Fulham’s last FA Cup match against Manchester United saw 39 throws in normal time.

The Eagles’ matches have seen the fourth most throws in the top tier of English football with an average of 35.11 per game. There have been 35 throws or more in all three of their FA Cup matches to this point so over 34.5 appeals. 

• Selection: Over 34.5 Throws In The Match (TRACKED BET)
• Best Odds: 1.72
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 8/10

Brighton vs Nottingham Forest: The Seagulls Aim to Avenge Last Month’s Humiliating Defeat

England, FA Cup, Saturday, 29th March, 17:15 (UK)

Brighton have enjoyed a meteoric rise under Tony Bloom’s ownership. They have ventured into Europe and could secure their first piece of major silverware in the club’s history. The Seagulls are in excellent form coming into this game having won five of their last seven matches, drawing two, but their opponents will also fancy their chances.  

Nottingham Forest are enjoying a hugely successful campaign. They sit 3rd in the Premier League, six points ahead of 5th place Manchester City. A return to Europe’s elite club competition could be on the cards for Forest but a cup triumph would be even sweeter. Nuno Espirito Santo’s side will also take confidence from the fact they beat Brighton 7-0 when the teams met in February. 

Fabian Hurzeler’s side have forced the third most tackles in the Premier League. As a result, their home matches across all competitions have seen an average of 38.72 tackles. Over 35.5 tackles has landed in their last five games at the Amex Arena with an average of 44. 

Forest matches see fewer tackles but this promises to be a closely contested fixture. The frantic nature of the cup could also aid the tackle count. There were 42 tackles when these teams met at the City Ground last month. 

• Selection: Over 35.5 Tackles In The Match (TRACKED BET)
• Best Odds: 1.80
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 8/10

Preston vs Aston Villa: Home Advantage Key for Throws Bet

England, FA Cup, Sunday, 30th March, 13:30 (UK)

Preston are the only team outside of the top tier t to make it to this stage. They are certainly up against it when they take on an in-form Aston Villa. PNE have won just two of their last eight matches across all competitions. They are also yet to face Premier League opposition in the FA Cup.

Aston Villa have struggled to reach the heights of last season domestically. They are 9th in the league, four points off the top four. However, they come into this game in good form. Unai Emery’s side have won their last four matches and recently booked their place in the quarter-finals of the Champions League. 

PNE’s matches have seen the fourth most throws in the Championship with an average of 46.63 per game. The count is unlikely to be as high against a Villa team that are capable of controlling possession but Preston will have to be direct to trouble Emery’s side, which should lead to throws. Paul Heckingbottom’s side’s FA Cup matches have seen an average of 49.33 throws. 

The Villains’ matches see the fewest throws in the top flight with 26.07 on average. However, their numbers in the cup are more promising. Their FA Cup games have seen 30.33 throws on average. All three of those matches have been at home, we should see an increased count with Preston having the backing of the supporters. 

• Selection: Over 32.5 Throws In The Match (TRACKED BET)
• Best Odds: 1.83
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 8/10

Bournemouth vs Manchester City: A Shootout at the Vitality

England, FA Cup, Sunday, 30th March, 16:30 (UK)

Bournemouth have gone from strength to strength under Andoni Iraola. The Spaniard has successfully implemented his high pressing and direct passing brand of football. The Cherries have the third-highest xPTS (expected points) tally in the Premier League and have the quality to hurt City. They have already beaten Pep Guardiola’s side once this season. 

This is Manchester City’s last chance to secure silverware. The reigning champions of England have struggled this season. Rodri’s injury at the start of the campaign has had a huge impact. Pep’s team currently sit 5th in the league, which could see them miss out on Champions League football. They will want to give their fans something to shout about on Sunday.

The Cherries have shown they are a very capable attacking outfit. Only Liverpool and Manchester City have had more shots per game in the league so this should be an end-to-end affair.  Bournemouth’s league matches have seen an average of 29.52 attempts. 

There were 30 shots when Manchester City took on Bournemouth earlier in the season. In fact, over 27.5 shots has won in the last two meetings between the sides. Moreover, all three of City’s FA Cup matches have reached the 30 shot mark.

• Selection: Over 27.5 Shots In The Match (TRACKED BET)
• Best Odds: 1.80
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 8/10

FA Cup Props Acca Tips Odds via bet365 as at 11:02, March 27th, 2025. Odds may now differ.

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